Long Island City Crane Accident Lawyer

Construction sites come with a high degree of risk, particularly when cranes and other heavy machinery are used. Many people who work in this field are well aware of the potential for dangerous accidents. However, all of the workers at construction or industrial sites count on their employers and relevant contractors and property owners to minimize risk by implementing proper rules, guidelines, and safety procedures.

Sadly, accidents still happen and due to the dangerous and heavy equipment used, these accidents can result in severe injury or even death.

If you have been hurt in a crane accident, you could likely benefit from having a team of legal professionals on your side. By seeking legal counsel from a Long Island City crane accidents lawyer, you will gain an ally that can conduct investigations, compile evidence, file claims, and even go to trial on your behalf.

At Shulman & Hill, we pride ourselves on our ability to handle even the most challenging of Long Island City crane accident cases. We are proud to serve Long Island City and other neighborhoods across every borough of New York City. Contact us today for a free case review to learn how we can help you.

What Causes Long Island City Crane Accidents?

Cranes are massive structures that can extend above skyscrapers and other building sites. They require proper set-up and maintenance to work correctly and they can be particularly dangerous if they are not properly secured. Natural disasters are arguably the Achilles heel of cranes. Erosion and high-speed winds can render them ineffective and put those operating them (or inhabiting the space nearby) at risk as well.

There are often many factors that come into play in a Long Island City crane accident. However, the size of the crane itself and the risk to operators and those working near it can make the injuries sustained in the accident severe. Working at a job or industrial site that utilizes one or more cranes adds an element of risk that would not be present otherwise.

While it is possible that cranes can fall or become damaged due to natural disasters or high winds, faulty placement, incorrect use, and factors like nearby powerlines can cause accidents as well. Not to mention, crane operators themselves are human and can make errors.

Some common causes of Long Island City crane accidents include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Ground erosion
• High winds
• Boom collapse
• Improper counterweighting
• Outrigger failures
• Wear and tear
• Under the hook lifting device issues
• Dropped loads
• Incorrect installation
• Crane or boom coming into contact with electrical power
• Crane resting on the wrong type of surface
• Blocked lifting path
• Miscommunication among workers
• Improper safety protocols
• Failure of rigging

All of these factors can cause a dangerous situation to arise at a worksite. A skilled crane accident lawyer can help you identify any liable parties that may have been involved.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Caused by Crane Accidents?

Crane accidents often lead to devastating injuries. Because the crane itself is so large, there are often many parts of the worksite that are affected by an accident. A crane is a large piece of machinery and when it falls or fails, it can rain down heavy loads of materials or its own parts onto people below. Cranes can trap workers underneath it or between the crane and another machine or wall.

Crane accidents can also cause buildings to collapse as well. A dropped load or crane malfunction could put you and every worker in your building at risk.

Because of the sheer stature of cranes, injuries involving them are often severe and sometimes fatal. Injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Broken backs
• Fractured or broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Crush injuries

Pursuing Compensation After a Crane Accident in Long Island City

Each and every accident case has unique variables to assess. Your lawyer will likely need to look at all the details of how you were injured to determine how best to seek compensation on your behalf. They may review your medical records, accident reports, and other documentation.

A primary benefit to hiring a crane accident attorney is that they can help investigate the cause of your accident. If they find that a general contractor, sub-contractor, or property owner caused or contributed to your accident, you may be able to hold them financially responsible for your injuries. Your Long Island City lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf to pursue compensation for your losses, including for your pain and suffering.

Regardless of who or what caused your crane accident, if you were injured while working, a lawyer can most likely also file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the event that one of their employees becomes injured or ill due to conditions in the workplace.

Speak With a Long Island City Crane Accidents Lawyer

At Shulman & Hill, we pride ourselves on a tremendous track record of success. To date, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured New Yorkers.

To learn more about how we may be able to help you, schedule a free legal consultation online or give us a call. We work on a contingency-fee basis which means that you will only pay for our services if we secure compensation for you.